Carl Landry Out 3-4 Months With Hip Injury
The Kings’ new front office and ownership group were fairly quiet in free agency this summer, but the team did make one major splash, inking Carl Landry to a four-year deal worth $26MM+. Landry’s time in Sacramento is off to an unfortunate start, however, as the team announced today that he’ll require surgery after suffering a tear in his left hip flexor. The veteran forward is expected to be sidelined for three to four months.
Given all the ex-Warriors in place in the Kings’ managerial and ownership ranks, it perhaps wasn’t a surprise that Sacramento targeted a player who excelled in Golden State a year ago. Landry, 30, appeared in all but one game for the Warriors in 2012/13, averaging 10.8 PPG to go along with 6.0 RPG and a 17.5 PER.
The Kings had already been deep at power forward, so it’s unlikely that the club will go out and acquire a replacement for Landry. However, it also means that Sacramento may no longer be able to deal from that area of depth, should a trade opportunity arise in the next few weeks or months. Jason Thompson and Patrick Patterson figure to handle the majority of the minutes at the four while Landry recovers.
Eastern Notes: Aldrich, Anderson, Crawford
Five of the seven teams that are at the offseason roster limit of 20 players reside in the Eastern Conference, so the Sixers, Cavaliers, Hawks, Heat and Knicks will be making plenty of moves between now and October 26th, the deadline for teams to place their camp cuts on waivers. Here’s the latest from the East as cut-down day approaches:
- Cole Aldrich chose to sign with the Knicks over the Bulls, Kings and Pistons, and though coach Mike Woodson has criticized his play and the team appears to be looking for other backup centers, Aldrich is still favored to make the club, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.
- Former first-round pick James Anderson is resurrecting his career and taking full advantage of the opportunity his non-guaranteed contract with the Sixers presents, as Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer details.
- Celtics teammates and coach Brad Stevens insist Jordan Crawford‘s reputation as a brash ball-hog is off-base, and they’re confident he has the passing ability to thrive as a combo guard as he enters the final year of his rookie scale contract, observes Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com. Grantland’s Zach Lowe notes the high level of optimism surrounding the ex-Wizard (Twitter link).
- Bucks owner Herb Kohl is walking a fine line as he tries to secure public funding for a new arena in Milwaukee, and he and GM John Hammond are being careful to keep the team competitive while still overhauling the roster, as Michael Hunt of the Journal Sentinel examines.
- Quincy Acy is about to start the last guaranteed season of his contract with the Raptors, and Mike Ganter of the Toronto Sun chronicles the 2012 second-round pick’s efforts to crack the rotation before time runs out.
Western Rumors: Jazz, Miller, Kings, Brown
Trey Burke‘s injury has opened up the possibility that the Jazz could trade for Marquis Teague of the Bulls or scour the free agent market for a veteran, and Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin says the team will consider its options, notes Steve Luhm of The Salt Lake Tribune.
“We’ll see,” Corbin said. “We’ll put our heads together tomorrow. We’ve got scouts out there. We’ll see what’s available. We’ve got some guys here. … We’ll see what gives us a chance.”
Internal candidate John Lucas III has impressed in camp so far, Luhm writes, so perhaps the Jazz may not have to look too far for their interim starting point guard. Here’s more from the West:
- Andre Miller isn’t concerned about offseason trade rumors that invoked his name, and the 37-year-old Nuggets point guard says he wants to play until he’s 40, as Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post writes.
- Kings owner Vivek Ranadive struck an agreement to hire Michael Malone as the team’s new head coach before the sale of the team became official, and Malone tells Sactown magazine that he and Ranadive kept their arrangement secret for two weeks. Sactown Royalty’s Tom Ziller has more.
- Shannon Brown fell out of the rotation for the Suns last season, and the team could have waived him in June and avoided paying 50% of this season’s $3.5MM salary. They kept him instead, and he’s relishing the fresh start the team’s new regime has afforded him, as he tells Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic.
Western Rumors: Ibaka, Blazers, Kings,
The Thunder surprised many when they traded star sixth man James Harden to the Rockets right before the 2012/13 season start. Serge Ibaka was awarded a 4-year, $48MM contract earlier in the summer of 2012 and tells Jeff Caplan at the NBA’s Hang Time Blog that he’s worked on his ball handling and offensive game this season.
After Russell Westbrook went down with a torn meniscus against the Rockets in last year’s opening round of the Western Conference playoffs, the Thunder struggled without their playmaking point guard. Kevin Durant had to carry a heavier offensive burden, and Ibaka’s play suffered without Westbrook to alleviate defensive pressure.
The Thunder will need Ibaka to inherit a more substantial offensive workload to begin this season with Westbrook expected to miss the first couple of months recovering from a second surgery to fix issues stemming from the original surgery on his meniscus.
Here are some notes from around the Western Conference tonight:
- With Westbrook out, there are concerns about how much Durant will have to do for the Thunder to survive Westbrook’s absence in the first part of the season. Darnell Mayberry of the Oklahoman tweets that head coach Scott Brooks says KD will play between 38-40 minutes this season.
- Mayberry adds, via Twitter, that no player within the last 9 seasons has gone on to win a title after logging more than 3000 minutes in the regular season, but Brooks doesn’t place much stock in that info.
- Dee Bost, Richard Howell and E.J. Singler are likely headed to the Blazers’ D-League affiliate after camp, according to Gino Pilato of D-League Digest. That’s no surprise, since they’re the only three players on Portland’s roster without fully guaranteed deals.
- New Kings coach Michael Malone says rookies Ben McLemore and Ray McCallum are making the most of their minutes during the preseason (Twitter).
- Malone also said, via the Kings‘ official Twitter account, that playing defense as a cohesive 5-man group is the key for this year’s Kings team to be successful.
- The Clippers Blake Griffin will play tonight against the Jazz after suffering a bruised knee in practice on Tuesday, reports ESPN LA. MRI results showed no structural damage and Griffin returned to practice on Friday.
Chris Mullin Talks Kings, Vasquez, Cousins
A number of ex-Warriors are running the show in Sacramento this year, including owner Vivek Ranadive (former Warriors minority owner), GM Pete D’Alessandro (former Warriors assistant GM), and head coach Michael Malone (former Warriors assistant). Of course, the biggest name to head north this offseason was Hall-of-Famer Chris Mullin, who joined the Kings’ front office in an advisory role.
Mullin recently spoke to Alex Kramers of Kings.com about a number of Kings-related topics, including his relationships with those fellow ex-Warriors, his decision to join the organization, and his views on some of Sacramento’s current players. We’ve rounded up a few of the more notable quotes from the longtime sharpshooter below….
On why he decided to join the Kings’ front office:
“Much like you want to put together a great team on the floor that plays well together, plays to its strengths (and) stays away from its weaknesses, I think Vivek has done that in his hirings on the operations side. For me, when I’m looking at opportunities, my No. 1 (criteria) is what people I’m going to be surrounding myself with — who I’m joining, what the people are like and what’s their vision. Everything was in place, I thought it was a great fit and I’m really excited to be a part of the Kings.”
On advising and working with D’Alessandro:
“It’s really important in the front office to have that chemistry, communication, openness, the willingness to speak your mind and not be concerned about ruffling feathers. I’m really fortunate to be reunited with Pete — I feel great about it.”
On the Kings’ roster and the team’s offseason additions:
“I think there are some really talented young players, and I think when you take that talent and you add the right work habits, the right work ethic, it will blossom, it will keep maturing (and) it will keep progressing.
“I think our GM has done a good job already in the offseason addressing some needs with some additions. Greivis Vasquez – one of the most improved players in the league — I think he’s a pass-first point guard, which will help get that ball moving and I think that becomes contagious. Individual defender [Luc] Mbah a Moute can defend multiple positions, so I think his impact on the defensive end will be key.”
On potential cornerstones for the franchise:
“DeMarcus Cousins, to me, he’s one of the most talented big men in the League. He’s obviously a key. I think Isaiah Thomas has been a really nice player for the Kings. I think he’s a good guy – especially for our young guards like Ben McLemore and Ray McCallum – to learn from (as far as) his work ethic, his poise, his approach to the game, his mental toughness. He’s a nice veteran. Jason Thompson, I think is coming along nicely. There’s a bunch of guys – all of them have strengths – (but) I think the key is going to be how they can come together, because individual numbers don’t really translate into success.”
Traded 2014 First Round Picks To Watch
As we saw in 2011 when the draft pick acquired from the Clippers by the Cavaliers ended up landing first overall, trading unprotected first-round picks is a risky proposition for NBA teams. That would explain why, heading into the 2013/14 season, only three ’14 first-round picks have been traded without protection, all by veteran teams expected to have strong years.
The Knicks’ first-round pick will be sent to the Nuggets, as part of New York’s debt from the Carmelo Anthony blockbuster. However, if the Knicks’ pick is less favorable than Denver’s own pick, the Nuggets will pass it along to Orlando, as part of last summer’s four-team Dwight Howard trade. Otherwise, the Magic will receive Denver’s pick.
The Warriors’ first-round pick will head to Utah, one of several picks Golden State sent to the Jazz in the cap-clearing summer deal that saw Andre Iguodala land with the Warriors.
The other unprotected first-rounder will come from the Nets, who agreed to send their pick to Boston in this offseason’s acquisition of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. As part of 2012’s Joe Johnson swap though, the Hawks have the opportunity to swap their own first-round pick with the Nets’ pick, leaving the Celtics with the lesser pick of the two. So if the Nets disappoint this season, it will be the Hawks, rather than the C’s, who benefit most.
Nine other teams have agreed to give up their respective 2014 first-round picks in certain scenarios, but given the protection on these picks, only a handful will actually change hands next summer. We’ll be keeping an eye on the standings all season to monitor whether or not these traded picks will fall under protection, but here’s an early look at the situations to watch this season:
Team: Charlotte Bobcats
Will be sent to: Chicago Bulls
Protection: 1-10
Forecast: Despite the addition of Al Jefferson, the Bobcats still likely project as a lottery team, meaning this pick has a good chance to stay put. That could be good news for the Bulls, since we continue to inch closer to 2016, when this pick will become unprotected.
Team: Dallas Mavericks
Will be sent to: Oklahoma City Thunder
Protection: 1-20
Forecast: Mark Cuban and the Mavs are optimistic about the new-look roster, but I’m skeptical that Dallas is a top-ten team. This pick will probably stay with Dallas.
Team: Detroit Pistons
Will be sent to: Charlotte Bobcats
Protection: 1-8
Forecast: If the Pistons were to finish as a bottom-eight team, I expect there’d be some jobs opening up in Detroit in 2014, given the expectations for the club. I have the Pistons penciled in as a low playoff seed in the East, so this pick should be ticketed for Charlotte.
Team: Indiana Pacers
Will be sent to: Phoenix Suns
Protection: 1-14
Forecast: While the Heat may be the No. 1 seed in the East again, the Pacers shouldn’t be too far behind them. As such, this pick will likely land in the mid-20s and be shipped to Phoenix.
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
Will be sent to: Phoenix Suns
Protection: 1-13
Forecast: If the T-Wolves can avoid the injury problems that plagued them last season, they should be a playoff contender. The West will be competitive though, so there are no guarantees either way on this one.
Team: New Orleans Pelicans
Will be sent to: Philadelphia 76ers
Protection: 1-5
Forecast: I’m not bullish on the Pelicans’ postseason chances for 2013/14, but the offseason upgrades, along with continued development from Anthony Davis, should ensure that New Orleans isn’t a bottom-five team. The result could be a pair of lottery picks for the Sixers.
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Will be sent to: Miami Heat
Protection: 1-14
Forecast: Speaking of those Sixers, it would be truly be a shocker if their own first-rounder changed hands next summer. Many pundits don’t expect the Sixers to win 20 games, let alone earn a playoff spot.
Team: Portland Trail Blazers
Will be sent to: Charlotte Bobcats
Protection: 1-12
Forecast: Like the Wolves, the Blazers expect to be in contention for the postseason, but again, it won’t be easy in the West. This is another pick I could see going either way.
Team: Sacramento Kings
Will be sent to: Cleveland Cavaliers
Protection: 1-12
Forecast: The Kings are entering the season with playoff aspirations as well, but their odds are significantly lower, in my view, than the Wolves’ or Blazers’. I expect we’ll see Sacramento keep this pick.
RealGM.com was used in the creation of this post.
Lowe On Spurs, Randolph, Rockets, Raps, Cavs
Zach Lowe’s latest piece for Grantland is a lengthy one, as he breaks down all 30 NBA teams by tiers heading into the 2013/14 season. Amidst his evaluations of each club, Lowe also includes several tidbits related to teams’ trade options and cap situations. The entire piece is worth checking out, if only to see where your favorite team lands, but we’ll round up a few of the more interesting notes right here:
- While the Spurs didn’t shake up the roster much this offseason, they’re in good position to make an in-season trade if need be, says Lowe. San Antonio has a couple movable expiring contracts (Boris Diaw, Matt Bonner), as well as a number of prospects stashed overseas.
- Lowe believes Zach Randolph will finish the year with the Grizzlies, but notes that Memphis’ front office is willing to make bold moves and probably recognizes that Randolph’s trade value will be highest this season.
- The Rockets are a a “very strong bet” to make a trade or two during the season.
- Both the Wizards and Pistons are among the candidates to make an in-season panic trade, due to increasing pressure to make the playoffs. However, Detroit may not have a ton of appealing trade bait unless the club is willing to dangle Greg Monroe, according to Lowe.
- With Kyle Lowry and Rudy Gay both potentially entering contract years, the Raptors could end up being deadline sellers if they get reasonable offers and aren’t in position to reach the postseason.
- Although they have plenty of assets of value, the Cavaliers‘ trade options will be somewhat limited if they intend to keep their books clean in the hopes of landing LeBron James next summer.
- Moving even one mid-tier salary during the season could create “serious cap flexibility” for the Kings.
- The Sixers figure to gauge the market value for veterans Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young before the deadline.
- While a Rajon Rondo trade isn’t entirely out of the question, it’s much more likely that the Celtics attempt to move players like Courtney Lee, Brandon Bass, and Kris Humphries, writes Lowe.
- In Lowe’s view, “everyone is available” on the Suns, except for perhaps Eric Bledsoe and the team’s rookies.
Latest On Jason Collins
When Jason Collins announced in the spring that he was gay, he appeared poised to become the first openly gay active male athlete in a major North American sport. However, with the regular season just three weeks away, Collins remains on the free agent market.
According to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports, the Kings were one of four teams to express interest in Collins during the offseason, but ultimately opted to go younger, adding Hamady N’Diaye to their camp roster. That echoes what we heard about the Knicks’ interest — New York decided to sign younger bigs like Cole Aldrich and Jeremy Tyler after kicking the tires on the 34-year-old Collins.
It’s not clear if the Warriors were one of four teams to express interest in Collins, but GM Bob Myers tells Spears that his team would have seriously considered the veteran if the roster wasn’t already flush with centers. Golden State currently has Andrew Bogut, Marreese Speights, Jermaine O’Neal, Festus Ezeli and Dewayne Dedmon under contract. However, Myers, who represented Collins as an agent before he became a Warriors executive, is hopeful that his former client will get an NBA opportunity.
“There are a lot of good players who are on the cusp of being in or out of the NBA,” Myers said. “I think he will get a chance.”
When ESPN.com’s Marc Stein examined Collins’ situation recently, he wrote that the big man will likely have more luck finding a landing spot after the season gets underway, and one NBA GM makes a similar suggestion to Spears, predicting that Collins will sign in January. While another GM indicates that Collins’ age is a concern, a source tells Spears that the 12-year veteran looks “stronger than ever” as he waits for a team to call.
Pacific Notes: Vasquez, Abdur-Rahim, Henry
Shaquille O'Neal's purchase of a stake in the Kings last month brings about an odd coda to the rivalry between his current team and the Lakers, the franchise with which O'Neal tormented Sacramento both on the court and off in the early 2000s. This season could be the first since that time that neither the Kings nor the Lakers make the playoffs, so the teams have little to fight over these days, even if some fans still harbor animosity. Here's more on a pair of franchises looking to regain the glory of years past:
- Extension candidate Greivis Vasquez grew up a Kings fan, and he wants to stay in Sacramento for the long haul, The Bee's Ailene Voisin writes.
- Shareef Abdur-Rahim is the only member of the Kings front office left over from last season, but the team has entrusted him with plenty of responsibility, as Jason Jones of The Sacramento Bee details.
- Xavier Henry did plenty last night to help his case for a spot on the Lakers opening-night roster, but his 29 points against the Warriors belie his inconsistency during camp, Medina notes as he profiles the former lottery pick's path to L.A.
- Last season, the Lakers allowed the 18th most points per 100 possessions in the league, and they lost a pair of former Defensive Player of the Year winners in Dwight Howard and Metta World Peace. Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News examines how some of the team's new additions can help the club overcome its shortcomings on defense.
Odds & Ends: Pistons, Budinger, Hardaway, Kings
The Pistons have engaged in discussions about acquiring exclusive control of an NBA D-League team, writes David Mayo of MLive.com. The Pistons' share their current affiliate, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, with the Bobcats, Pacers, Grizzlies, Bucks, and Magic. Here's more from around the Association..
- It looks like Chase Budinger's left knee issue isn't as bad as initially thought, according to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN (via Twitter). Meanwhile, the T'Wolves are getting calls from representatives about the likes of Mickael Pietrus and DeShawn Stevenson. They'll decide on signing a free agent over the next week or so.
- Of the current 547 NBA players under contract, 398 played in the NBA last year, 62 come from NCAA teams, and 28 are from the D-League, according to Mark Porcaro of Secret Rival (via Twitter). Porcaro and Hoops Rumors teamed up in September to launch the Hoops Rumors International Player Movement Tracker.
- Tim Hardaway Jr. is showing great poise and professionalism as a rookie,writes Fred Kerber of the New York Post.
- The Kings are loaded with guards, but Ailene Voisin of the Sacramento Bee wants to see Jimmer Fredette get another opportunity to step up.